And let's not forget that the aerodynamic masterpiece known as the Percival Prentice had a spade-type top to the (unarticulated) control column. Not quite in the same category as a Spitfire, of course, but not to be overlooked.
While the benefit was of limited value for violent air combat manoeuvres, it provided a handy place for the brake operating lever and PTT , and was probably marginally less strain on the arm in use while trundling along at 90 Kts for hour after hour, probably because the wrist angle was more natural, as someone said earlier.
So I felt quite at home in a 2-seater Spitfire last year; just a tad faster than the Prentice along with a few other differences, I admit, but at least the grip felt familiar.